“Slang” in Korean

Let’s start by learning how to say “slang” in Korean. You can either say 속어
(sogeo) or 은어 (euneo).

What is Korean Slang?

Korean slang is a group of words, phrases, or expressions used by Koreans
in everyday conversations. They are usually informal and are used by many in
written or oral conversations.

Learning Korean slang is a great way to improve your Korean skills. Not only is
it going to help with your listening abilities, but you’ll be able to sound more
like a local when you speak Korean.

Korean friends will become closer, funny Korean jokes will be easier to
understand (and laugh along to), and you’ll be able to follow Korean
movies and songs better. It’s also a great way to become more familiar with
Korean culture or understand more on your next trip to South Korea.

Not bad for only learning a few phrases and words!

Korean Slang Words

We’ll now be giving you examples of basic Korean slang words. These are
words that are used in regular conversations by everyday Koreans. Some are
common Korean slang words (single words only), while others are expressions
that you can use as full sentences. Since a lot of these phrases are colloquial,
it’s good to be familiar with basic Korean phrases as well.

Below each Korean slang term, we’ll give you a breakdown of what they mean
in the Korean language, an explanation, the verbs, and the words included so
you can understand what the Korean word means exactly.

Pick your favorites, make sure you understand the meaning, and try them out
with your Korean friends. You’re almost certain to see some surprised looks, as
well as hear “Where did you learn that?!” It’s a really fun way to supplement
your regular Korean learning.
Some warning: the slang in this article is in Hangul, the Korean alphabet. If you
can’t read Hangul yet, it is possible to learn it fast and easily, so what are you
waiting for?

Let’s do this!

Modern Korean Slang

Ready to impress your Korean friends? Here’s the list of Korean words and
phrases to do it! Pepper these throughout your conversations and bond with
your 친구 (chingu).

1. 남사친 (namsachin) – A guy who is “just a friend”

남 (nam) is short for 남자 (namja), meaning “man”

사 (sa) is short for 사람 (saram), meaning “person”

친 (chin) is short for 친구 (chingu), meaning friend.

Put them all together, and you get man-person-friend, or a male friend.

Guys, you can use the same term for a girl who is your friend but isn’t your
girlfriend. Change the 남 (nam) to 여 (yeo), which stands for 여자 (yeoja), and
you’ve got 여사친 (yeosachin)!

2. 남친 (namchin)= Boyfriend | 여친 (yeochin)= Girlfriend

Like lots of Korean slang terms (and indeed Korean words in general), these
words come from taking the first parts of two other words.

Can you guess which words they are made up of? 남친 (namchin) comes from
남자 친구 (namja chingu) and 여친 (yeochin) comes from 여자 친구(yeoja
chingu). That should save you some typing time on KakaoTalk when you ask
somebody if they have a boyfriend or girlfriend.

3. 꿀잼 (kkuljaem)– Something that is fun, funny, or interesting

꿀 (kkul) means “honey.”

잼 (jaem) is short for 재미있어요 (jaemiisseoyo), which means “interesting.”

If you put them together, you get 꿀잼 (kkuljaem), which you can use to
describe something that is fun or interesting.

4. 노잼 (nojaem)– Something that is not fun, funny, or uninteresting

The evil twin of 꿀잼 (kkuljaem) is 노잼 (nojaem).

노 (no) means “no” or “not”

잼 (jaem) is the first part of 재미있어요 (jaemiisseoyo), meaning interesting.

So if you see something that you don’t think is fun or funny, you can say, “노잼
(nojaem)!”

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5. 솔까말 (solkkamal)– To speak openly and honestly

솔 (sol) stands for 솔직히 (soljiki), with means “honestly.”

The 까 (kka) and 말 (mal) parts come from 까놓고 말하다 (kkanoko malhada),
meaning “speak your mind.”

The full Korean phrase is 솔직히 까놓고 말하다 (soljiki kkanoko malhada), but
you can keep it simple. When you want someone to tell it to you straight, use
the Korean slang 솔까말 (solkkamal).

6. 더럽게 (deoreopge) – Badly

This Korean slang word literally means “dirtily” (from 더럽다 | deoreopda), but
is often used to mean “badly,” for example 더럽게 못생기다 (deoreopge
motsaenggida) would mean “really ugly” and “더럽게 느리다 (deoreopge
neurida)” would mean “really slow” (referring to a slow computer perhaps).

7. 품절남 (pumjeollam) | 품절녀 (pumjeollyeo) – Man or woman who just got

married

품절 (pumjeol) is another Korean expression for sold out (매진 | maejin),

coming from the hanja for product (품 | pum) and gone (절 | jeol). The words
품절남 (pumjeollam) and 품절녀 (pumjeollyeo) literally mean “sold-out man”
and “sold-out woman,” they refer to somebody (a celebrity or popular friend)
who has just got married and is therefore off the market for dating.

These Korean slang terms can be used with the verb 되다 (doeda), which
means “to become.” For example, 품절녀가 됐어요 (pumjeollyeoga
dwaesseoyo) means “she got married.”

To say “she got married” you can also use the word 시집갔어요 (sijipgasseoyo),
which is a real word (not Korean slang) literally meaning “she went to the in-
laws’ house.” For guys, you can use 장가갔어요 (janggagasseoyo) instead.

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8. 모쏠 (mossol)– Someone who has never had a boyfriend or girlfriend

모쏠 (mossol) is the shortened word for 모태솔로 (motae sollo). The first
word 모태 (motae) means “mother’s womb.” The second word, 솔로 (sollo)
sounds like “solo,” which means a person who has never been in a relationship.

Put them together, and you’ve got “someone who has been alone since birth.”

*gasp* Use this one with caution!

If you happen to be 모쏠 (mossol) and want to fight fire with fire, you can use
솔로천국 커플지옥 (sollocheonguk keopeuljiok). It’s aimed at couples and
means “Solo Heaven Couple Hell.”
9. 극혐 (geukyeom) – Extreme disgust

Short for 극한의 혐오 (geukanui hyeomo), this phrase . 극한 (geukan) means

“limit or extreme” and 혐오 (hyeomo) means “hatred, disgust or revulsion,” so
put them together and you’ve got a shortened phrase that means just that —
extreme disgust!

Use this with your Korean friends any time you want to point out that
something is very disgusting or revolting, like when you venture into the weird
parts of YouTube!

10. 밀당 (mildang)– Push and pull

This is a combination of the verbs 밀다 (mildang | to push) and 당기다

(danggida | to pull). However, in this case, the words do not literally mean
pushing and pulling as in a tug of war or a door.

This Korean slang refers to the flaky actions people take in romantic
relationships, “playing games” with each other where one minute they’re hot
and the next they’re cold. You can also use this as a verb in the form 밀당하다
(mildanghada).

11. 맛점 (matjeom)– Delicious lunch

Short for 맛있는 점심 (masinneun jeomsim), this Korean slang word simply
describes a “delicious lunch.” Want to describe a delicious dinner and sound
cool doing so? Just use 맛저 (matjeo), short for 맛있는 저녁 (masinneun
jeonyeok)! Shortening things really is easy, isn’t it?

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12. 만렙 (mallep) – Level 10,000

Another shortened phrase, 만렙 (mallep) is a combination of 만 (man | 10, 000)

and 레벨 (rebel | level). Have you ever played an RPG or strategy game like
World of Warcraft where your character increases in level after making certain
achievements?
This phrase refers to someone who is a master of something, and their level is
so good it is like they have achieved the maximum level in a game! But don’t
worry, you can use this phrase for anything — someone who is good at lifting
weights, building things, or studying (not only games)!

13. 쪼렙 (jjorep) – Beginner level

This Korean slang word is just the opposite of the previous one! There are the
masters, and then there are the beginners or the “newbs.” This word is a
slightly altered version of 쪼그만한 레벨 (jjogeumanhan rebel), meaning a small
or low level.

Not good at tennis and want to let your partner know before the match starts?
Let them know you’re 쪼렙 (jjorep), and you’ll be sure to get a laugh.

14. 심쿵 (simkung)– Heartthrob (huge crush)

심쿵 (simkung) is like a type of emotional heart attack you feel when you see
or think about your crush or someone you find extremely attractive!
Remember it by knowing that 심장 (simjang) means “heart” and 쿵쿵
(kungkung) is the “thud” or “booming” sound your heartbeat makes!

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15. 댓츠 노노 (daetcheu-nono) – That’s no no

댓츠노노 (daetcheunono | that’s no no) is a Konglish phrase that originated on

a popular TV program, and is sure to get laughs from your Korean friends! You
can use it anytime you disagree with someone or something, or want to say
“no.”

16. 까도남 (kkadonam) – An abrasive city-man

Short for 까칠한 (kkachilhan | abrasive) 도시 (dosi | city) 남자 (namja | man), this
word is used to describe a certain type of guy who is usually arrogant, rich and
full of himself.

17. 대박 (daebak)– Awesome

What does Daebak mean? We’re sure you may well have heard this one a
million times before, but it is still popular and widely used. 대박 (daebak) is an
exclamation that’s meaning has changed from 대박나다 (daebangnada | to be
very successful) to now mean “awesome” or “wow” or to describe anything
that is shocking or amazing!

18. 엄친아 (eomchina) | 엄친딸 (eomchinttal) – Someone who is good at

everything

Short for 엄마친구의 아들 (eommachinguui adeul | my mom’s friend’s son)

or 엄마친구의 딸 (eommachinguui ttal |my mom’s friend’s daughter), these
Korean slang phrases are used to describe “the perfect child” or someone who
is good at everything.

It originates from the fact that Korean parents like to talk to their children
about how “so and so’s” son or daughter did so well on his/her tests, got into a
great school, or just got a new job at a big company.

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19. 행쇼 (haengsyo)– Let’s be happy

Short for 행복하십시오 (haengbokasipsio), this Korean slang phrase just means
“let’s be happy!” You can use it to suggest to your Korean friends to cheer up
and be happy while at the same time sounding cool.

Start using this one today, and you’ll be sure to make someone’s day.

20. 갑 (gap) | 갑이다 (gabida) – The boss

This Korean slang word was popularized by a comedy program, and 갑 (gap)
has come to mean “the boss” or the person with the power dynamic in a group.

갑 (gap)refers to a person who has a relative advantage or power in a particular

phase. It can also simply means when something is “the best” or “above the
others.”
You’ll often see this word in legal contracts, such as if you get a work contract.
The words 갑 (gap) and 을 (eul) mean A and B, or the former and latter. 갑 (gap)
is usually the one holding power.

What a great word. Make sure to use it like a 갑 (gap)!

21. 현웃 (hyeonut)– LOL

From 현실에서 웃음 (hyeonsireseo useum), this word means “laughter (웃음 |

useum) in real life (현실에서 | hyeonsireseo).” This is equivalent to “laugh out
loud” in English and could be used, for example, while watching a video or
reading a text message. It is used instead of just ㅋㅋㅋ to show
you literally laughed out loud.

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22. 빵 터지다 (ppang teojida) – To laugh really loudly (like a bomb)

Very similar to 현웃 (hyeonut), 빵 터지다 (ppang teojida) is a slang verb that

means “to laugh really loud” with the emphasis being on the LOUD part!
터지다 (teojida) usually means “to burst,” and 빵 (ppang) is the sound a gun or
bomb makes. So when you put them together, you get the picture of someone
who is laughing explosively!

23. 언플 (eonpeul) – Media play

This is a shortened version of 언론플레이 (eonnonpeullei), which means “media

play.” However, this is not all fun and games! In this case, 플레이 (peullei | play)
is not referring to playing or fun but rather to “manipulation.” It is used to
express the act of using the media to create a beneficial image for a
corporation or celebrity, etc.

24. 멘붕 (menbung)– Mental breakdown

Ever had a mental breakdown? You can express this idea with “멘붕”, which is
a combo of 멘탈 (mental | mental) + 붕괴 (bunggoe | deconstruction or
collapse).

In Korean, this is more often used to express yourself when your mental status
is on the fritz! It’s used in various situations where this is the case. For
example, you could say it when at the last minute, you realize you have to
work on the weekend, and you have a huge date that you can’t cancel!

25. 헐 (heol)– OMG

This exclamation is usually used after something shocking or surprising is said

or seen. It’s really similar to “OMG” in English! You’ll notice this piece of
Korean slang is used a lot in texting.

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26. 뭥미 (mwongmi)– What the heck | What is it?

This is a purposeful typo of 뭐임 (mwoim), which means “what is this?” or

“what the heck.” When you are typing fast, you can easily input characters in
the wrong order, and this internet slang rose out of this common misspelling!
However, it still retains the same meaning! When you see something you are
unsure of, you can say, “이게 뭥미 (ige mwongmi)?”

27. 레알 (real)– Real | Really

This word means “real,” and if you read it in Korean, you can see that it is
actually the phonetic pronunciation of the same word in English! Use it in place
of intensifiers like 진짜 (jinjja | really) and sound cool in the process!

28. 돌직구 (doljikgu)– To say or do directly

This word literally translates to “rock fastball,” and that’s exactly what its
meaning is intended to portray, although in this case, we’re not talking about
baseball! When someone says something in a very direct manner or behaves
very forward, you can use the word 돌직구 (doljikgu) to describe it, and in
doing so, compare the action to throwing a fastball with a stone!
29. 치맥 (chimaek)– Chicken and beer

치맥 (chimaek) is the popular South Korean combo of 치킨 (chikin | chicken)

and 맥주 (maekju | beer). This pairing is a cultural staple that is often enjoyed at
social gatherings. It’s more than simply food and drink; you also get to enjoy
the flavor and excitement of Korean casual dining.

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30. 짤 (jjal)– Photo

This is a new internet slang word that simply means “photo,” and you can use it
in place of 사진 (sajin |picture or photo).

31. 움짤 (umjjal)– Animated photo | GIF

You know those animated GIFs floating around the internet? In Korean, you
can talk about them using the word 움짤 (umjjal)!

32. 리즈 (rijeu) – Your prime

From the expression 리즈 시절 (rijeu sijeol), this refers to the best-looking time
of your life when you are young and beautiful and in your prime! Shorten it
down and just use the word 리즈 (rijeu) to describe this magical time that you
never want to leave.

33. 덕후 (deoku) – A person with an obsessive interest in something

This Korean slang comes from the Japanese word “otaku” which means a
person who is “crazy about something.” In Japanese, this usually refers to a
person who is obsessed with Japanese anime or anime characters.

However, it is now used in Korean to describe a person who has an obsessive

interest in almost anything – celebrities, studying, movies, characters — you
name it! It has a slightly negative connotation, so be careful how you use it.

34. 꿀팁 (kkultip)– A great tip

Just like in the phrase 꿀잼 (kkuljaem), this phrase uses the word “honey” (꿀 |
kkul) to mean “really good.” This time it’s a 팁 (tip | tip) that’s being considered,
and this is not just any old tip!

In English, we may say “gold” or “golden” to denote something very valuable,

but in Korean, it’s “honey.” Use this when you give a great tip to someone or
someone gives you advice or tips that are valuable!

35. 그린라이트 (geurillaiteu)– Green light (crush)

We’re not talking about traffic here! This “green light” is all about relationships.
When someone is giving you the green light or showing interest in you and
giving you the go-ahead, you can use the word 그린라이트 (geurillaiteu) to
describe them!

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36. 불금 (bulgeum)– TGIF

Fire (불 | bul) Friday (금요일 | geumyoil)! Much like we’d say “TGIF” on Friday as
the week is winding down, Koreans say 불금 (bulgeum) as they get amped up
for the weekend festivities! If you want to up your Korean slang game, then
you can also use 불토 (bulto) as well for 불 (bul) + 토요일 (toyoil).

37. 웃프다 (utpeuda) – Funny but sad

When something is funny (웃기다 | utgida) and sad (슬프다 | seulpeuda) at the
same time, you can use this combination Korean slang word to describe that
situation! Say you’re watching funny YouTube videos, and you see a clip of a
cute puppy falling down or wiping out (without getting hurt, of course!), you
could use 웃프다 (utpeuda) to describe it!

38. 개이득 (gaeideuk) – Big, unexpected benefit or profit

When you get something you didn’t expect to benefit you, you can say,
“개이득 (gaeideuk).” The word 개 (gae) is used a lot in slang words in Korean,
and it literally means “dog.”
However, in Korean slang, it is used as an intensifier like “crazily” or other
*hmm* more negative words in English. Use this with Korean friends, but with
caution.

The 이득 (ideuk) part means “benefit or profit.”

39. 반사 (bansa)– Back at you

This is a funny Korean slang term used to deflect someone’s insults or jokes
toward you. Just say this word, and it reflects their insult back to them like a
mirror! It is a slightly childish and cheesy term.

40. 고퀄 (gokwol)– High quality

Short for 고 (go | high) 퀄리티 (kwolliti | quality), you can use 고퀄 (gokwol) to
describe something that is of high quality! See some earrings at the store you
like and notice they’re really well made? Boom! Perfect time for a “고퀄
(gokwol).”

41. 클래스 (keullaeseu) – World class

This slang word has now become more and more used and is simply
the Korean pronunciation of the English word “class.” Here, we’re not talking
about school or social ranking, but it’s used to mean “world-class” or “high-
level.”

42. 평타 (pyeongta) – Do something at an average level

From 평타치다 (pyeongtachida), it means to do something average (at least).

For example, you can use this slang phrase to say you are not amazing at
something, but you did average or as much as reasonably can be expected!

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43. 음란마귀 (eumnanmagwi) – A person with a dirty mind

Everyone has that friend. They’re the person who always sees the innuendo in
a situation or has a dirty mind. For them, you can use the slang phrase
음란마귀 (eumnanmagwi) meaning “lewd devil.”

44. 병맛 (byeongmat) – Something so ridiculous that it gives you a funny

taste in your mouth

This slang word literally means 병신 (byeongsin | idiot) 맛 (mat | taste). You can
say this when something looks stupid (but funny). From pop culture, some
examples may be Napoleon Dynamite or Jackass, or anything that gives you
that funny taste in your mouth because it’s so silly or stupid!

45. 칼군무 (kalgunmu) – Dancing perfectly in sync

K-pop and Korean pop culture have really taken off around the world in recent
years, and this Korean slang term is used to describe the dancing aspect of
performances. When an idol group or a group of dancers is dancing like a knife
(perfectly in sync) and they nail their performance, you may hear
commentators use the Korean slang term 칼군무 (kalgunmu | knife group
dance).

46. 역대급 (yeokdaegeup) – Legendary level | The best ever

This word means “unprecedented” or “legendary level” and refers to someone

or something that is the best ever. Use it to really emphasize how awesome
something is!

47. 지린다 (jirinda) – Something is just so cool

From the verb 지리다 (jirinda) meaning “to wet your pants”, this expression is
used when something is just so cool that you wet your pants or feel like you
could!

48. 쩐다 (jjeonda)– Very cool

This comes from the old verb 절다 (jeolda), which means “to be salted.” It
became 쩔다 (jjeolda) or 쩐다 (jjeonda) and, in its slang form, could take on the
meaning “so salty and good” as if to say “very, very cool.”

49. 포스 있다 (poseu itda) – To have “the Force”

When a person has a very strong character or aura, you may hear this term
being tossed around. Ever seen Star Wars? This slang phrase literally means to
have “the Force.”

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50. 썸 (sseom)– “Something” between two people

썸 (sseom) is used to describe that special “something” between two people

who are not in a relationship but have feelings for one another. There is
“something” (썸 | sseom) between them.

The slang expression 썸타다 (sseomtada) or 썸을 타다 (sseomeul tada) is used

when two people know each other before dating, and start to get along.

Use 썸남 (sseomnam | about men) and 썸녀 (sseomnyeo | about women) to

describe someone you have feelings towards but not formally dating.

51. 사랑꾼 (sarangkkun)– A person full of love

A person who expresses or shows their love a lot is a 사랑꾼 (sarangkkun). This
is a person who is just filled up to the brink with love (the romantic kind or
not)!

This word is also used as a sarcastic word for people who are constantly
involved in dating rumors and scandals.

52. 베프 (bepeu)– Best friend

Do you have a 베프 (bepeu) to hang out with? This slang term is shortened
from the Konglish phrase 베스트 프렌드 (beseuteu peurendeu | best friend).
You can also say 절친 (jeolchin), shortened from 절친한 친구 (jeolchinhan
chingu | literally “great friend”).

53. 케미 (kemi)– Chemistry

This slang word is a shortened form of the word “chemistry” in English – but
we’re not talking about science here! This is for when there is “chemistry”
between two people. In Korean, you can cut it down to a simple “케미 (kemi).”

54. 베이글녀 (beigeullyeo) – A baby-faced but glamorous girl

This word is a funny combination of the words babyface (베이 | bei) + glamor
(글 | geul). 녀 (nyeo) just refers to a female. This is a girl who has a baby face
that is cute and innocent but an attractive, overly sexy, or glamorous body.

55. 셀카 (selka)– Selfie

This slang word is short for 셀프 (selpeu | self) 카메라 (kamera | camera) and
means a “selfie” or to take a picture of yourself! Selfie sticks are all the rage
nowadays and are called 셀카봉 (selkabong) in Korean.

56. 썰 (sseol) – Story

From the word 설 (seol) meaning “theory,” this Korean slang word has come to
mean “story.” You can also use it as a verb in the form 썰을 풀다 (sseoreul
pulda | to tell a story).

57. 셀럽 (selleop) – Celebrity

This word is Konglish for the word “celebrity.” In Korean, they call celebrities
or stars “연예인 (yeonyein)” but use this slang word to sound cool and trendy
as you refer to your favorite star!
58. 선수 (seonsu)– Player

You may think: “Wait a minute, I have learned this vocabulary word before in
my regular Korean studies!” and you would certainly be right. This word means
“player” as in an athlete. However, when used in the slang form and referring
to relationships, this refers to the other meaning of “player” as in someone who
dates around.

59. 득템 (deuktem)– An item you get for free or at a great bargain

Short for 이득 아이템 (ideuk aitem), this slang word means something you get
for free or at a real bargain! For example, if you head out shopping and find a
really great sweater at half off, that’s a 득템 (deuktem)! Also, when you play
video games (which are all the rage in South Korea) and get a free item, there’s
another. YOINK!

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60. 된장남 (doenjangnam) | 된장녀 (doenjangnyeo) – An appearance-

obsessed guy (or girl) who lives beyond their means

된장 (doenjang) is fermented bean paste that is often used in the cooking of

Korean foods, including 된장찌개 (doenjangjjigae | bean paste stew) which is
known to be very filling but cheap! The terms 된장남 (doenjangnam)
and 된장녀 (doenjangnyeo) refer to a guy (남 | nam) or girl (여 | yeo) who values
expensive or superficial things despite being unable to afford them.

For example, a girl who dates an older, richer man to get free gifts, trips,
or plastic surgery or a man who lives in the most expensive area of the city
despite having a less-than-average paying job could be called a 된장녀
(doenjangnyeo) or 된장남 (doenjangnam), respectively. These terms have
negative connotations, so use them sparingly!

61. 브금 (beugeum) – Background music

This word is short for “background music” and refers to any sort of jingle you
might listen to in the background. You might hear it while studying, working,
or chilling out in the cafe with your Korean friend!
62. 강추 (gangchu) – Strongly recommend

This word is a combination of 강하다 (ganghada) meaning “to be strong”

and 추천하다 (chucheonhada) meaning “to recommend.”

63. 깜놀 (kkamnol)– Surprise!

Short for 깜짝 놀라다 (kkamjjak nollada) or 놀랐어요 (nollasseoyo), this term is

used when you are shocked or startled. The verb 놀라다 (nollada) means
exactly that – to be surprised, shocked, or startled, and the phrase 깜짝 놀라다
(kkamjjak nollada) means to be suddenly surprised!

64. 버카충 (beokachung) – Bus card charge

Guess what, it’s another shortened Korean slang phrase! This one is short
for 버스 카드 충전 (beoseu kadeu chungjeon | bus card charge) and has been
abbreviated because of its common usage. Most people use the bus or subway
daily.

In South Korea, transportation cards for the bus and subway system need to
be regularly charged with money, and the next time you’re in town and need a
버카충 (beokachung), you can just look for the big machines in the subway
stations!

65. 닭살 (daksal) – Goosebumps

닭살 (daksal) literally translates to “chicken skin,” which is similar to

“goosebumps” in English. You normally get goosebumps when you describe the
feeling of fear, excitement, or even cringing, especially in response to overly
cheesy or romantic gestures.

66. 페북 (pebuk) – Facebook

This word is short for 페이스북 (peiseubuk), which is the way Koreans say
“Facebook” in English. It’s simply been shortened down, so if you want to
sound cool and in the know, call it 페북 (pebuk) next time you’re chatting with
your Korean friends!

You say 페북 탐라 (pebuk tamna) for the 페북 (pebuk) timeline. 탐라 (tamna) is

the shortened version of 타임라인 (taimnain). Make sure to give 좋아요 (joayo,
or “like”) when you see your favorite friends post on your 탐라 (tamna)!

67. 프사 (peusa)– Profile picture

Speaking of Facebook, everyone needs a profile picture for their favorite social
media page! You can talk about that by using this Korean slang word, which is
short for 프로필 사진 (peuropil sajin | profile picture).

68. 훈남 (hunnam) – A handsome and well-mannered guy

This comes from the descriptive verb 훈훈하다 (hunhunhada), which means
“warm or heartwarming” plus 남자 (namja | man). Commonly, handsome guys
are referred to as 미남 (minam), so the term 훈남 (hunnam) is used to describe
a guy who is both attractive physically and kind and warms you up just by
looking at him. Want to describe a girl in a similar way? Use the term 훈녀
(hunnyeo).

69. 뇌섹남 (noesengnam) – A smart, intelligent guy

This is another Korean slang term used to describe a certain type of guy! While
the previous one referred to a handsome and kind guy, this one will emphasize
the intelligence aspect! Let’s break it down:

뇌 (noe) means “brain”

섹시하다 (seksihada) means “to be sexy”

남자 (namja) means “man”

Put it all together, and you’ve got one who is very smart and sexy. It’s good to
be a nerd sometimes!

70. 아점 (ajeom) – Brunch

This is a combination of the words for breakfast (아침 | achim) and lunch (점심 |
jeomsim). Like in English when we combine those two words, put them
together and you’ve got a word that means “brunch.”

And if you eat a bit late in the day, you can use the word 점저 (jeomjeo), which
is a combination of 점심 (jeomsim) and 저녁 (jeonyeok).

71. 안습 (anseup) – Watery eyeballs (from an embarrassing situation)

This is an abbreviation of 안구에 습기차다 (angue seupgichada), meaning

“dampening of the eyeballs.” It’s a direct term used to describe when someone
tears up from embarrassment or humiliation!

72. 금사빠 (geumsappa) – A person who falls in love easily

From 금방 사랑에 빠지는 사람 (geumbang sarange ppajineun saram), this term

is used to describe a person who easily falls in love.

금방 (geumbang) means “a short time” or “soon”

사랑에 빠지다 (sarange ppajida) means “to fall in love”

사람 (saram) means “person.”

Do you know anyone like this?

73. 넘사벽 (neomsabyeok) – Something that cannot be overcome

Short for the phrase 넘을수 없는 사(4)차원의 벽 (neomeulsu eomneun

sa(4)chawonui byeok), this term literally means “unclimbable wall.” It is used to
refer to something that cannot be overcome or that is a big obstacle.
74. 지못미 (jimonmi) – Sorry I couldn’t protect you

From 지켜주지 못해 미안해 (jikyeojuji mothae mianhae), meaning “sorry I

couldn’t protect you,” this term is used most commonly when someone (usually
Korean celebrities) turns out bad in a picture. Type this phrase as a hashtag in
Instagram, and you’ll find some examples!

75. 비번 (bibeon) – Password

Short for 비밀번호 (bimilbeonho), meaning “password,” this word is used by the
younger generation quite commonly in place of the full term.

Get “Korean Slang Words” Free PDF Guide

76. 안 물 (an mul) – I didn’t ask

This is short for 안 물어봤어 (an mureobwasseo), meaning “I didn’t ask you.” It
can be slightly rude and should only be used with those that are really close to
you when you know they won’t be offended.

For example, maybe your friend is bragging about how good-looking they are
or how many likes they got on their picture, and you use this phrase to say, “I
didn’t ask you,” in a sort of funny way to tell them not to be arrogant.

77. 안궁 (angung) – I’m not curious

Very similar to the previous, this is short for 안 궁금해 (an gunggeumhae),
meaning “I am not curious.” You could use it in very similar circumstances to
say “I am not curious.”

78. 노 답 (no dap) – No answer

Like in some of the other Korean slang terms, 노 (no) here is the same as “no”
or “not” in English.

답 (dap) means “answer.”

So this phrase means “no answer” and can be used in any situation where there
is no solution. By using it, you are inferring there is “no answer” to the problem
or situation, like a troublemaker for whom there is no hope.

79. 맥날 (maengnal) – McDonald’s

This is just a shortened phrase for 맥도날드 (maekdonaldeu), which is the

Korean way to say “McDonald’s.” Next time you see the golden arches sign,
you can refer to it as 맥날 (maengnal) to your friends!

80. 얼빠 (eolppa) – Someone who is drawn to good-looking people

From 얼굴에 빠지다 (eolgure ppajida), this term is used to describe a person
who easily feels drawn to someone handsome or pretty.

81. 근자감 (geunjagam) – Unfounded self-esteem

This term comes from the expression 근거 없는 자신감 (geungeo eomneun

jasingam), which literally means “self-esteem/confidence without grounds.” It is
when someone has a huge ego or confidence about something, but they really
shouldn’t!

82. 드립 치다 (deurip chida) – To make a joke

From “ad lib” (애드립 | aedeurip), this verb means “to make a joke” or “to make
an absurd comment.”

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Cool Korean Words and Expressions

Here are the cool Korean slang expressions and words that have stood the test
of time and are still in use today.

83. 내가 쏠게 (naega ssolge) – I’ll pay | treat

From the verb 쏘다 (ssoda), which means “to shoot (a gun | arrow etc.)”, the
Korean slang expression 내가 쏠게 (naega ssolge) means “I’ll pay.” You can say
this at the end of a date if you want to impress your companion and take care
of the check.

You could also use it at a bar with your Korean friends. If you are a 구두쇠
(gudusoe | miser: literally “iron shoes”) then you might not want to learn this
expression.

84. 일차 (ilcha) , 이차 (icha), 삼차 (samcha) – Stage 1, stage 2, stage 3

A typical night out with Korean friends, or a company dinner (회식 | hoesik),
can be separated into stages called 차 (cha). The first stage, 일차 (ilcha),
involves a meal with some drinks to go with it. The second stage, 이차 (icha),
often means going to a bar to continue drinking. The third stage, 삼차 (samcha),
might involve going to a noraebang.

Although what each particular stage of the night consists of will depend on the
particular people who are out that night. There may even be a 4차 (sacha) or
5차 (ocha) involving more food or beer and noodles outside a convenience
store.

When it is time to move to the next stage, you might hear your Korean friends
or coworkers say something like 2차 갑시다 ( icha gapsida) or 2차 가자 (icha
gaja | let’s go to stage 2). If you are on a company dinner then these gaps
between stages offer a good opportunity to make your excuses and go home
or to a different bar away from your boss.

85. 짱 (jjang)! – Great or amazing

This sound effect means “great” or “amazing”. You can just say it on its own,
without putting it into a sentence. It is also sometimes used in order to make
other slang words. A common one of these is 얼짱 (eoljjang), which means
great or amazing face [the 얼 (eol) comes from the word 얼굴 (eolgul)]. You can
also say 몸짱 (momjjang) to describe somebody with an amazing body.

86. 얼짱 (eoljjang) – A good-looking person

When someone is really good-looking, you can use 얼짱 (eoljjang) to describe

them! It’s a combination of 얼굴 (eolgul | face) and 짱 (jjang | another slang
word meaning “great” or “the best”).

87. 몸짱 (momjjang) – A hot body

This Korean slang term can be used to describe someone with a great body,
like a guy who is quite fit and muscular or a girl who has a great figure! It is a
combination of the word for “body” (몸 | mom) and 짱 | jjang which means
“great” or “the best.”

88. 간지 난다 (ganji nanda) – Great, stylish, awesome

This Korean slang expression comes from the Japanese word for 느낌 (neukkim
| feelings) and so literally means “feeling is coming out.”

The phrase 간지 난다 (ganji nanda) means great, stylish, awesome, or 멋있다

(meositda). This phrase can be used to describe fashion, food, appearance,
architecture, or even a skillful football move. It is quite a new slang word and
can be used in most situations as a replacement for the rather cheesy word
대박 (daebak). You might have been curious about what ganji means in
Korean from K-pop artist PSY‘s music video with Jessi.
The opposite of this is 간지 안나 (ganji anna) which can be used jokingly to say
something is awful. If you want to say somebody (such as a celebrity) is stylish,
you can say 간지남 (ganjinam | for guys) or 간지녀 (ganjinyeo | for ladies).

89. 폭탄 (poktan) – Bomb or something that is terrible

The Korean slang word 폭탄 (poktan) literally means “bomb.” It is used to

describe something that is terrible, such as a piece of work that you have really
messed up. It can also be used to describe a really really ugly person.

Another way to use 폭탄 (poktan) is by adding a 주 (ju) at the end to make

폭탄주 (poktanju). This is basically a cocktail of whatever random alcohol your
friend managed to find and mix together. It is often a mix of beer, soju, whisky,
maybe some vodka, and some other things. Watch out: It’s called 폭탄주
(poktanju) because it is dangerous like a bomb!

Get “Korean Slang Words” Free PDF Guide

90. 왕따 (wangtta) – Outcast

You don’t want to be the 왕따 (wangtta)!

This Korean slang word describes a person who has no friends and is bullied by
everybody at school. They have to sit on their own because nobody wants to
sit near them or be associated with them in any way at all. The bullying is often
justified by saying, “We did it because he/she is 왕따 (wangtta),” as if being
왕따 (wangtta) means that you are denied human rights.

Almost every high-school drama in Korea will involve a 왕따 (wangtta) at some

point in the storyline, so listen out for the word. Unfortunately, despite
teachers’ efforts to stop bullying, the phenomenon of 왕따 (wangtta) exists in
the real world too.

91. 뻥치지 마 (ppeongchiji ma)! – Don’t lie

This Korean slang expression means “don’t tell a lie”.

뻥 (ppeong) means “lie”.

뻥을 치다 (ppeongeul chida) is the expression you use to express the idea of

“telling a lie”.

The suffix -지 마 (ji ma) is the informal version of -지 마세요 (ji maseyo) which
means “don’t.”

You should only use this expression with Korean friends who you are close
with, especially if the lie they are telling isn’t particularly serious. An example of
this would be a friend claiming that they can drink ten bottles of soju when you
know that they can’t handle their alcohol. 뻥 치지마 (ppeongchijima)!

In situations where you’re not with close friends, you should use 거짓말하지
마세요 (geojinmalhaji maseyo) instead.

92. 바람둥이 (baramdungi) – Player

A 바람둥이 (baramdungi) is a playboy who isn’t looking for a serious

relationship, and may even be seeing multiple people at the same time. He will
be gone as quickly as the wind (바람 | baram).

Girls will often tell their boyfriends not to be a 바람둥이 (baramdungi),

although the word can be used to describe playgirls too.

A similar use of the word 바람 (baram) is the phrase 바람 맞았어요 (baram

majasseoyo) which means “to be stood up.” A 바람둥이 (baramdungi) isn’t fully
in a relationship yet. If somebody is in a relationship but they are cheating on
their partner, then you can use the word 양다리 (yangdari | meaning both legs),
which is the Korean slang for “two-timing.”

93. 꽝 (kkwang) | 꽝이다 (kkwangida) – Wrong | you lose

This word comes from the sound 꽝 (kkwang), which is like a banging or
bashing kind of sound. It basically means “wrong” or “you lose.”
Game shows in Korea often have some kind of ladder game (사다리 게임 |
sadari geim) to determine what prize the contestants win (it is sometimes also
played by friends or coworkers to determine who pays for lunch). If you get 꽝
(kkwang) it means you don’t win any prize.

The 꽝 (kkwang) sound is often accompanied by the tune from the drama
“secret garden” to further mock the losing contestant.

94. 놈 (nom) – Man or person

In the Korean movie “좋은놈, 나쁜놈, 이상한놈 (joeunnom, nappeunnom,

isanghannom)”, the “nom” (놈 | nom) in this title means “man” or “person.” It is
used as a suffix such as 미친놈 (michinnom | crazy person), or like the three
examples in the movie title.

It usually has negative connotations, and you should only use it with really
close friends who have a good sense of humor. In fact, in general, you
should remember that the Korean language is very hierarchical and you can
only really use Korean slang with close friends. Whatever you do, don’t use it
to introduce yourself to your partner’s parents for the first time, unless you like
getting dumped!

95. 공주병 (gongjubyeong) – Princess disease

This literally means “princess disease” (the male equivalent is “prince disease”
or 왕자병 (wangjabyeong). This is when somebody is acting like a spoiled little
princess and constantly seeking attention and wanting their partner to buy
them things.

As this word comes from hanja (Korean based on Chinese Characters), it has a
similar sounding equivalent in Cantonese. This amusing video explaining the
Cantonese equivalent explains the concept of 공주병 (gongjubyeong) quite
well.

96. 붕어빵 (bungeoppang) – Two people that look or act the same
This can be used to suggest that two people look or act the same. It comes
from the name of the bean-paste-filled pastries that resemble fish that you can
buy from roadside stalls in winter.

The pastries are made using a press, so they always look the same and are also
the same on both sides, which is where this expression comes from.

97. 방콕 (bangkok) – Stay in your room

This Korean slang expression means “to stay in your room” and is used when
somebody is so tired or worn out that they plan to stay in their room all
weekend or all vacation. If somebody uses this word to describe their vacation,
don’t get confused and think that they are going to Thailand.

98. 알바 (alba)– A part-time job

This is a shortened phrase and comes from 아르바이트 (areubaiteu), which

means “part-time job” in Korean. The word originally comes from the German
word “arbeit”, meaning “work or labor.”

Bonus round: You can add 생 at the end of 알바 (alba) to make 알바생
(albasaeng). This refers to someone who is studying at school and also working
part time. The 생 (saeng) comes from the word 학생 (haksaeng), which means
“student”.

You often see 알바생 (albasaeng) at 편의점 (pyeonuijeom | convenience

stores), 피씨방 (pissibang | Internet cafe), and 카페 (kape | cafe) etc. Look out
for those 알바생 (albasaeng) the next time you’re nearby a 대학교 (daehakgyo |
university)!

99. 소맥 (somaek)– Soju + beer

Two of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Korea are (you guessed it) – soju
and beer! What do you get when you mix the two in your glass? Why 소맥
(somaek) of course (소주 + 맥주 = 소맥 | soju + maekju = somaek). Cheers!

100. 눈팅 (nunting) – Looking only, no chatting

You can use this word to describe chatting with your eyes and not speaking, or
reading posts or forum threads and not leaving a comment or a trace of you
being there!

눈팅 (nunting) is the combination of the words “eye” + “(chatting)ting,”

originally started in an online chatting room to call people who just listen to
other people’s conversations but they’re not saying anything. So 눈팅하다
(nuntinghada) literally means to chat with eyes.

Now, the bigger meaning is that they only look and do not do things like
posting or leaving a comment. These people are called 눈팅족 (nuntingjok),
with 족 (jok) meaning “tribe.” Although the meaning is slightly different,
유령회원 (yuryeonghoewon | ghost member) is also used for those who clearly
exist but are invisible in the online community.

Next time you catch someone 눈팅 (nunting), encourage them to get in the
conversation!